Four die in accident at engineering firm

Four men have died following the collapse of a steel structure at the site of
an offshore engineering company in Norfolk.

8:47AM GMT 22 Jan 2011

A health and safety investigation has been launched into the industrial accident.

The men, who have not yet been named, had been working at the site of offshore engineering company Claxton Engineering in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

The firm said building work was being carried out by external contractors at their premises where the accident happened just before 2.30pm on Friday.

Reports suggested a steel structure may have collapsed on the men.

A statement released by Claxton said: "Claxton Engineering Services Limited can confirm that an accident occurred at its premises in North River Road, Great Yarmouth where construction work on a new facility is being carried out by external contractors.

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"We are also able to confirm that four men have tragically lost their lives in this incident which is now being investigated by the Norfolk Constabulary and the Health and Safety Executive. The company is fully co-operating with the investigation.

"Everybody at Claxton is deeply saddened by what has occurred today and the company's thoughts and sympathy are with the families of the four men."

Police, ambulances and nine fire crews including urban search and rescue units attended but the men died at the scene.

A joint investigation has been launched by Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Det Chief Insp Neil Luckett from the major investigation team said: "This is a tragic event and we will be working closely with the HSE to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

"This may be a lengthy process. Our thoughts are with the families of the men who died today."

Officers are now in the process of informing family members of the men's deaths.

An HSE spokesman added: "HSE has been notified of the incident and has sent inspectors to the scene who are assisting the police."

The MEP for the East of England Richard Howitt called for a thorough investigation into the accident.

Mr Howitt, who serves on the European Parliament's committee responsible for health and safety, said: "I am deeply sorry to hear of this horrific accident and offer my condolences to the families and colleagues of those who tragically lost their lives.

"Everyone in Yarmouth knows that serving the offshore industry can be a highly dangerous place to work.

"But that makes it even more important that the investigation uncovers whether every possible step had been taken to ensure the safety of the site.

"We have to know whether this was a tragic accident or an accident waiting to happen."

According to Claxton's website, the firm "provides engineering and services to the offshore jack up drilling community across the life of the asset from pre-drilling to drilling, production and decommissioning".

The Great Yarmouth-based firm was founded in 1985 and has offices in Aberdeen and Dubai.

Its managing director, Laura Claxton, is the daughter of founder Bob Claxton, while the company's technical director is Mr Claxton's son Dannie.